Prof.  Zisheng  LU
Shanghai Jiao Tong University,  China

Title: Sustainable Thermal Management: Converting Low-Grade Heat into Cooling, Heating, Energy Storage, and Freshwater via Advanced Adsorbents

Abstract:

The accelerating use of fossil fuels has intensified global climate challenges, underscoring the urgent need for renewable energy alternatives. Adsorption technology offers a promising pathway, yet conventional adsorbents suffer from low performance, restricting efficient composite cycles and broader adoption. Here, we investigate novel composite adsorbents by immersing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in hygroscopic salt solutions (LiCl, CaCl₂, MgCl₂). These high-performance materials enable a multifunctional adsorption cycle in which a single system can deliver refrigeration, heating, seawater desalination, and power generation. Experimental results show that MOF–vermiculite composites achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.71 for cooling, a heating COP (COPh) of 1.30, a power generation capacity of 27.2 kJ/kg, and a desalination yield of 0.71 g/g under standard operating conditions. These values surpass most reported studies, highlighting the potential of composite adsorbents to advance efficient, renewable energy conversion.

Biography: